Here’s what to expect at Apple’s product launch event on March 4

Apple’s “Let Loose” event on March 4th is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tech showcases of 2026. With the company hosting simultaneous events in New York, London, and Shanghai, expectations are running high for a wave of new products that could redefine Apple’s lineup across multiple categories.

Budget-Friendly MacBook: The Chromebook Killer?

The biggest rumor swirling around this event is the debut of a new, more affordable MacBook. Bloomberg reported in November that Apple has been developing a lower-cost laptop designed to compete directly with Chromebooks and Windows machines in the budget segment. The key to keeping costs down? An iPhone processor—specifically, the A18 Pro chip.

This move would mark a significant departure from Apple’s recent strategy of outfitting all Macs with at least 16GB of RAM. The rumored 8GB configuration is likely a cost-saving measure, though it raises questions about performance, especially given AI’s growing appetite for memory. Still, with potential shipments of 8 million units and a price tag between $699 and $799, this could be Apple’s biggest laptop launch in years.

MacBook Pro Gets M5 Pro and Max Chips

While the budget MacBook steals the spotlight, power users have reason to be excited too. Apple is expected to unveil new MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These chips are rumored to undergo a redesign to improve heat dissipation and reduce defect rates, while also increasing the total number of CPU and GPU cores.

The timing aligns perfectly with Apple’s typical release cycle, and the current delays in MacBook Pro M4 Max orders suggest stock is being cleared for the new models. Whether you’re a creator, gamer, or just someone who needs serious horsepower, these new Pros could be worth the wait.

New iPads: Standard and Air Models Get Upgrades

iPad fans aren’t being left out either. The 12th-generation iPad is expected to upgrade from the A16 to the A18 chip, bringing Apple Intelligence tools to the entry-level tablet for the first time. Meanwhile, the iPad Air could leap from the M3 to the M4 chip, making it one of the lightest tablets on the market with such powerful hardware.

These updates could make the iPad lineup more future-proof than ever, especially for users who rely on Apple’s AI features.

iPhone 17e: A Subtle Refresh

It’s been almost exactly a year since Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, so a refresh is overdue. The iPhone 17e is expected to feature the A19 chip and possibly MagSafe support, though the $599 price point is likely to remain unchanged. While not a groundbreaking upgrade, it keeps Apple competitive in the budget smartphone market.

Other Possibilities: Studio Display, Mac Studio, and More

There’s also chatter about a revamped Studio Display and Mac Studio desktop, potentially arriving in the first half of the year. A MacBook Air with the M5 chip is less likely but not impossible, given last year’s March release of the M4 Air.

What Won’t Be Announced

Don’t expect any news on the long-anticipated Siri refresh—this appears to be a hardware-focused event. Software updates will likely be saved for WWDC this summer.

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